Ranchos Hot Springs, Ranchos De Taos, NM

## Overview Ranchos Hot Springs is a hidden geothermal gem nestled near the historic village of Ranchos de Taos in Taos County, New Mexico. Often described by visitors as "beautiful and magical," this natural hot spring sits in a landscape steeped in centuries of cultural heritage — just a short distance from the iconic San Francisco de Asís Mission Church, famously painted by Georgia O'Keeffe. The spring features a natural pool that is roughly waist-deep, fed by geothermally heated water that flows into a series of concrete basins — remnants of a former hot springs resort that once operated at this location. The old resort infrastructure hints at a time when the springs were a more developed destination, drawing visitors seeking the therapeutic warmth of the mineral-rich waters. Today, the site has returned to a more rustic, informal state, but the warm water continues to flow freely and remains accessible to the public. The springs are open at all times, making them a popular stop for both locals and travelers exploring the Taos area. Water from the hot springs has historically been valued for its warmth and mineral content, though visitors should be aware that hot spring water is not necessarily suitable for drinking without proper testing. ## Directions **Starting Point:** Head to the area near 1 Calle Martinez, Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557. 1. From Ranchos de Taos, locate the dirt road leading toward the springs (near Calle Martinez). 2. Follow the dirt road straight until you reach **Hot Spring Road**. 3. At the point where the road bends, bear **right** and continue walking along the dirt road for approximately **0.5 miles**. 4. The natural hot spring pool and concrete basins will be visible from the road. **GPS Coordinates:** 36.358639, -105.609459 *Note: The final stretch requires walking along an unpaved road. A vehicle with decent clearance is helpful for the initial drive, though many visitors manage with standard cars in dry conditions.* ## What to Expect Upon arrival, you'll find a natural hot spring pool that is approximately waist-deep — warm enough to soak in comfortably. The water flows from the natural pool into concrete basins, which are holdovers from the site's days as a hot springs resort. The basins provide additional soaking options and give the area a unique character that blends the natural with the man-made. The surrounding landscape is quintessential northern New Mexico — wide open high-desert terrain with views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, sagebrush, and dramatic skies. The setting is peaceful and relatively secluded, though the springs are known among locals and can occasionally see other visitors. Since the springs are open at all times with no formal management, there are no facilities such as restrooms, changing areas, or trash receptacles on-site. Visitors should plan to pack out everything they bring in. The access road is unpaved, so conditions may vary with weather — muddy stretches are possible after rain or snowmelt, particularly in spring. Visiting during dry weather is recommended for the easiest access. The hot springs make for an especially memorable experience at dawn or dusk, when the light over the Taos Valley is at its most spectacular.